Past Conferences

Linda Blount, MPH – National Vice President Disparities, American Cancer Society – delivers the 2009 conference welcome message.

Jesse Jackson Keynote Address – 2007 American Cancer Society Disparities Conference

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Bridging the Health Care Divide: Research and Programs to Eliminate Cancer Disparities

April 18 – 20, 2007

Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center

New Orleans, LA

Building on the success of 2005’s first-ever American Cancer Society sponsored conference on cancer disparities, Bridging the Divide was focused on presenting evidence-based, theory-driven intervention models for eliminating cancer-related disparities, comparing successful researcher-initiated and community-based models, and highlighting models that grew out of successful partnerships among community organizations, community members, and researchers

The desire and need for such a conference was evident, as conference registration exceeded the capabilities of the facility. Even after adding additional rooms the conference organizers were forced to turn a number of potential attendees away.

The meeting was preceded by two pre-conference workshops; the first on Principles and Concepts of Community-Based Participatory Research, and the second entitled “How to Get Research Grants – Insights from the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and Private Foundations”. Workshop attendees praised the practical and useful information provided by the presenters, and expressed their belief that the knowledge gained in these sessions would have immediate applicability to their work back home.

Bridging the Divide formally kicked off the following morning with an opening roundtable discussion involving American Cancer Society leaders including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Medical Officer, and the head of the research department. This session also introduced attendees to the Society’s newly named National Vice-President, Health Disparities, Linda Blount.

The keynote address was provided by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. His moving and inspiring talk touched on themes of access, social responsibility, community engagement and empowerment, and the importance of utilizing “trusted messengers”, including religious leaders, disc jockeys and celebrities, to promote health awareness and education. His comments resonated strongly with the audience, and set the perfect tone for the workshops and discussions that followed.

Following the morning plenary attendees had their choice of a wide range of outstanding breakout sessions that featured discussion of cutting-edge programs and projects from researchers, clinicians and community workers. Presentations were arranged around a variety of themes, addressing topics such as health communications, community partnerships to eliminate disparities, and survivorship and quality of life issues. Other sessions were devoted to discussion of exciting and innovative programs that have demonstrated their ability to decrease or eliminate disparities in breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancer in minority and underserved populations.

The lunchtime plenary included an address by American Cancer Society President Richard Wender in which he discussed the current window of opportunity for improving access to care. This was followed by a powerful session describing the state of health care in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Local health care workers shared their experiences as challenges while a backdrop of rotating photographs taken during and after the storm were displayed on the screen behind them. This presentation called into sharp focus the fragile nature of the health care safety net that serves as the primary source of care for many of our nation’s poor and minority citizens.

Breakout session podium presentations were complimented by nearly 100 additional projects and studies that were highlighted in a standing room only Poster Session and Reception that closed Day 1 of the conference. Featured posters described interventions designed to address the health data gap, increase access to screening and wellness services, enhance cancer awareness and knowledge in underserved communities. Others described the implementation of disparities reducing activities in varied community settings, including worksites, schools and churches.

The second day of the conference was designed to build on the learnings shared on Day 1, and to promote open dialogue among attendees and organizers. A town hall session and morning plenary provided insights into turning research into policy and policy into action. The closing session featured a number of leaders in the battle to end health disparities, including Linda Burhansstipanov, Sora Park Tanjasiri, Elena Rios and Lovell Jones. Through their prepared remarks and audience dialogue the seeds of a strategic vision for disparities research slowly began to take shape.

Comments From 2007 Post-Conference Evaluations:

“The conference was very informative and well-run. It had a good representation of representatives from diverse groups across the country.”

“Great conference- more people need to come next time”

“I enjoyed the engaging talks, thought provoking messages, and energy/enthusiasm of the speakers”

“Excellent. Actually more than excellent!”